Kruger National Park under flood

For the second time in 10 years, heavy rains in Kruger National Park have caused the closure of many of the park’s roads and bush camps.

KNP Managing Executive Abe Sibiya says “We took the decision to close bush camps so that we do not compromise the safety of our guests. On behalf of management, we apologise to all the guests for the inconvenience that might occur as a result of this temporary closure,”

Sibiya said all bookings made at the affected bush camps would be transferred to the nearest camps. He added that data lines at most of the rest camps in the north were affected. He said the road and maintenance team was monitoring the situation to provide guests with alternative routes. “More roads might be closed as it is still raining. All the roads that are closed are marked with ‘No Entry’ signs or blocked with other objects. Motorists are urged not to use those roads and to drive with caution,” said Sibiya.

Guests visiting the Kruger National Park can view the latest information regarding the state of the roads at the following gates in the north:

• Phalaborwa

• Punda

• Pafuri

The Mapungubwe Interpretive Centre, which is situated within the Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site, has also been temporarily closed due to heavy rains in the area. Spokesperson, Divhani Maremba, said the heavy rains in the area were expected to continue until Sunday, January 20. Maremba said some roads had been washed away and visitors were strongly advised not to use those roads, especially if they were using small vehicles.

She said the park’s operation had not been severely affected, except the MIC. “The only camps that can be easily reached by 2×4 vehicles are Tshugulu and Leokwe. We strongly advise all our visitors to avoid crossing any low-water bridges.”

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About Rose Vermeulen

Rose Vermeulen comes from an IT and customer services background, and decided to change careers to Landscaping. She completed the full Landscape Design Course at Lifestyle College, and holds certification with the City and Guild of London. Rose joined forces in 2001 with Bernadine Drath to create Indigo Landscapes, a design and construction company based in Johannesburg, South Africa and winner of several garden show Gold Awards.